Biggest and Best State Fairs

Fair season is quickly closing in, so youâ€™d better brace yourself for funnel cakes, fluorescent lit midways and down home fun galore. Whether youâ€™re there for the infamous treats, the creaky rides, the exhibitions or the kitschy shopping, the State Fair is sure to oblige everyoneâ€™s whims.

Eastern States Exposition
The sixth biggest state fair in the country, the â€śBig Eâ€ť is the official event that represents all six New England states. Since 1917 it has drawn thousands of fun seekers with its agricultural exhibits, concerts, livestock and other furry critters, and competitions. Located in West Springfield, Massachusetts, the fair gives every state a chance to shine on the Avenue of the States. Taste Maine blueberries or lobster, then sample Ben and Jerryâ€™s ice cream and sharp cheddar cheese from Vermont! Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons, by Hadleygrass is Asparagus

Texas State Fair
1886 was the inaugural year for this biggest celebration of carnival snacks, shows and cowboy traditions in the country. Today, almost 3 million Texans and visitors alike roam around this massive fair. Donâ€™t miss Big Tex, the 50 foot mascot who looms above the grounds in his finest 75 gallon cowboy hat. From deep fried Twinkies to Fletcherâ€™s corn-dogs, the snacks youâ€™ll find among the rides, games and exhibits arenâ€™t going to impress your nutritionist, but they are fun and tasty. Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons, by Collin Harvey

Kentucky State Fair
This 520 acre affair is hosted in Louisville, to the delight of fair loving folks from far and wide. For eleven days each summer you can admire the finest crafts, sample award winning baked goods and stand in awe of blue ribbon farm animals. Country music performances, circus acts, comedians and kids groups grace the stages of this shindig every night, and youâ€™ll still get your fill of the usual Ferris wheel rides and cotton candy. Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons, by merfam

California State Fair
Sacramento has bragging rights to this extravaganza; since 1852 the fair has entertained westerners from up and down the Pacific coast. A ride on the monorail is a must, as itâ€™s one of only three operational monorails in the country. Check out the grounds from a birdâ€™s eye view and bypass the crowds below. Browse hundreds of diverse food vendors who offer everything from fresh tacos to kebabs to steaming homemade donuts. Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons, by Bob n Renee

Minnesota State Fair
Come to the â€śGreat Minnesota Get Togetherâ€ť to experience the second largest fair in the country. Over 1.7 million fair-goers enjoy twelve days of lively events and attractions and food. Try the ever popular â€śon-a-stickâ€ť treats like lobster-on-a-stick, fried-candy-bar-on-a-stick and even beer-on-a-stick! One of the most unique traditions is the butter sculpting competition, which is to promote the areaâ€™s dairy industry, and has been a main attraction at the fair since 1898. Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons, by Tatiana12

Take a trip to one of these historic events this summer and experience fair-going at it’s grandest. Book a luxury hotel in San Francisco, Minneapolis, Boston, Dallas or Louisville so you’ll have a plush place to lay your head after a long day of fun, food and entertainment at the fair.